WM College Connect: October 2026
29 September 2026
Dear Learners
Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning for another year, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to WM College.
If you are new to the College, I hope your experience with us will be rewarding, inspiring and enjoyable, and that this marks the beginning of a long and successful learning journey. To our returning learners, thank you for your continued support and for choosing to learn with us again. We are delighted to have you back.
Over the summer, we have been working hard to prepare the College for the new academic year. You will notice a number of improvements across the building, including newly configured classrooms, refreshed communal spaces and a brand-new floor in our café. We have also expanded the café menu, offering a wider variety of food and drink options. I hope you will enjoy these improvements and continue to make the café a welcoming place to meet, study and connect with fellow learners.
This is also an exciting year for WM College as we begin introducing a new visual identity, including a refreshed logo and brand. At the heart of this work is a desire to celebrate the real people who make our College special: our learners, our staff and their stories.
We would love to showcase the achievements and creativity of our learners. If you are particularly proud of a piece of work you have produced during your studies, please consider sharing it with us. Not only will you have the opportunity to win a course voucher, but your work could also feature in future College publications and promotional materials, helping to inspire other learners.
At this year’s staff conference, we explored the theme of intergenerational learning and working. One of WM College’s greatest strengths is the diversity of our community, including the wide range of ages, experiences and perspectives that learners bring with them. We believe there is much that different generations can learn from each other, and we would love to hear your ideas about activities or events that could help bring people of different ages together to share experiences, knowledge and skills.
Perhaps you already know which generation you belong to, but if not, the guide below might help!
We are also keen to hear your ideas about activities, events and opportunities that you would like to see outside of the classroom. One of the best ways to help shape College life is through our Learner Forum, which meets once each term. I encourage you to get involved, share your views and help us continue improving the learner experience. The more you engage with College life, the more you are likely to gain from your time with us.
Over the coming weeks, I will be visiting classes to introduce myself and meet as many learners as possible. Please do take the opportunity to say hello. If you see me around the College, don’t hesitate to stop and have a chat. I always enjoy hearing about your experiences, aspirations and ideas.
Thank you for being part of the WM College community. I wish you a successful, enjoyable and rewarding autumn term, and I look forward to meeting many of you soon.
Best wishes,
Dipa Ganguli OBE
Principal
Key announcements
Studying a creative art or creative digital media course?
Apply for a bursary to help support your studies! Speak to our learner services team to find out more, or click here to view the guidelines and the link to the application form.
Building and Café updates
The Estates & Facilities team have been busy over the Summer managing the installation of Phase 2 of a Heating and Ventilation project. This significant piece of work included the strip out of large ducting which ran through many classrooms and teaching spaces. Returning learners may notice the improvements in terms of space and we hope that the benefits of better ventilation and heating will be felt by all. There are still improvements to make, and we are currently planning Phase 3 and identifying the best opportunity to do this without disrupting teaching and learning.
Over the summer, we also took steps to improve security for the seating and bike area at the front of the building. Should you wish to park a bike or take a break in this area, you will now need to use your ID badge to release the lock on the gate. Simply tap your pass on the keypad to operate it. Please ensure that the gate closes securely behind you so that we can do our best to protect the bikes left in this area and reduce thefts.
In the Café, Semih and his team have been working on new menus and extended options, including delicious soups, jacket potatoes and toasted sandwiches and paninis. There are also improved coffee selections, so do be sure to check out what is available at the Ruskin Café.
College events
Bloomsbury festival
WM College is part of Bloomsbury festival this year! The festival is back for its 20th anniversary, running from 1st to the 31st of October across venues throughout Bloomsbury. Every October, Bloomsbury hosts a month-long festival with up to 150 events, including music, performances, exhibitions, talks, walks and workshops. It’s a brilliant mix of arts and culture, open to everyone.
Making in 3D: WM College showcase
We’re thrilled that our exhibition, Making in 3D: WM College showcase, is officially part of the festival programme. This is such a special opportunity to share the incredible work of our adult learners and tutors. See the incredible range of work, from glasswork to woodwork to mosaic, all created by our talented learners and tutors.
Cost: Free exhibition
Date: Wednesday 7- Saturday 10 October 2026
Time: 12 pm–5 pm
Location: The Crypt Gallery, Dukes Road Entrance (off Euston Road)
Come along, explore the exhibition and celebrate the incredible work created by our learners and tutors.
Global and National Events
World Teachers’ Day
World Teachers’ Day takes place every year on 5 October. It is a chance to recognise the important role teachers and tutors play in helping people learn, develop new skills and achieve their goals. This year marks 60 years. The 2026 theme is: “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures.”
At WM College, we know that learning is about more than what happens in the classroom. Our tutors support learners to build confidence, discover new interests, develop skills and take their next steps.
Why not take a moment on 5 October to thank a tutor or teacher who has helped, encouraged or inspired you?
Find out more: UNESCO – World Teachers’ Day
Dyslexia Awareness Week
Taking place from 5–11 October 2026, this year’s theme from the British Dyslexia Association is: “Dyslexia in real life: At work.” The week focuses on dyslexic adults’ experiences and how communication, workplace systems, recruitment, and reasonable adjustments can affect people with dyslexia.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a lifelong difference that can affect the way someone processes information. It can affect people differently and may influence reading, writing, spelling, organisation, memory, or information processing. Dyslexia is not a measure of intelligence. People with dyslexia can have many different strengths, skills and ways of thinking.
Find out more and get support
Everyone learns differently. Asking for support is a positive step, and using a tool or adjustment is not an unfair advantage. It can help someone take part, learn and demonstrate their skills. At college, the right support and adjustments can help learners overcome barriers and show what they can do.
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) provides information, resources, events and support for people with dyslexia. You can also find free online resources and information about Dyslexia Awareness Week on their website. The BDA is also running online events during Dyslexia Awareness Week, including sessions about dyslexia at work and understanding dyslexia or dyscalculia.
World Mental Health Day
Taking place on 10 October, Mental Health Day talks about reducing stigma and reminds us that it is okay to ask for support.
The 2026 theme from the World Health Organisation (WHO) is: “Lived experiences heard, real voices, real change.” This year’s campaign highlights the importance of listening to people with lived experience of mental health conditions and involving them in decisions about the support and services that affect their lives.
Looking after your mental health
Small things can make a difference. You could:
- Talk to someone you trust.
- Take a break when you need one.
- Get some fresh air or move your body.
- Make time for activities you enjoy.
- Speak to someone if things are becoming difficult.
You do not have to wait until things become a crisis before asking for help.
Need support?
- NHS 111: If you need urgent mental health support in England, call 111 and select the mental health option.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Mind: Mind provides information and support about mental health. Their Infoline is 0300 123 3393, Monday to Friday, 9 am–6 pm.
- EMERGENCY If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Workshops happening at the college
Next Steps Fair
Don’t leave it to the end of your course to make plans for your Next Steps.
We’re here to support you with employability skills, applying for further training, jobs or volunteering. This term, we have our Next Steps Fair on Wed 11th Nov, when you can chat with universities, employers, recruiters and more. We also have some lunch & learn sessions for improving Interview and CV skills.
Look at our noticeboard by the cafe and visit our Next Steps page on our website that we update each week.
Easyfunding
Did you know you can support WM College without spending any extra money?
We’ve joined easyfundraising, a free platform that lets you donate to WM College when you shop online or in-store. It’s simple: you shop as usual, the retailer makes a small donation to WM College, and you don’t pay anything extra.
How does it work?
1. Sign up for free
Join WM College on easyfundraising and set up your account. You can also download the app or add a browser reminder to help you remember to use it.
2. Shop through easyfundraising
Before you make a purchase, search for the retailer through easyfundraising. There are thousands of retailers to choose from, including supermarkets, clothing shops, restaurants, and more.
3. Shop as usual
You pay the same price for your purchase. The retailer then makes a small donation to WM College.
You can also use easyfundraising for your weekly food shop, everyday purchases and gift cards, so you can support the College while buying things you were already planning to buy.
Why does it matter?
The money raised through easyfundraising will help support our learners, including through bursaries, wellbeing support, and making learning more accessible. Every small donation can make a difference, helping more adults access education, building confidence, and developing new skills.
Want to get involved?
Click the button below to register an account and get started. It takes just a couple of minutes to sign up, and there’s no extra cost to you.
You can also share the link with your family and friends. The more people who shop through easyfundraising, the more we can raise to support our learners.
Policies and reminders
Attendance and punctuality
We have high expectations for attendance and punctuality. Regular attendance and arriving on time help you make good progress with your studies and help the whole class learn effectively.
It is important that you:
- attend every class
- arrive on time
- stay for the whole session
- contact your tutor or Learner Services LearnerServices@wmcollege.ac.uk if you cannot attend.
If you arrive after the start time of your class, you will be marked as late in the register.
Further information about Attendance and Punctuality can be found on our policies page
Your feedback matters
We’d love to hear about your experience at WM College. If you’ve had a great experience, or if we haven’t quite got it right, please let us know by emailing feedback@wmcollege.ac.uk. Your feedback helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we can improve.
We’ve also updated our complaints policy and procedure for the new academic year. You can find the latest version on our website.
Reminder: Appropriate use of College IT equipment and network
A reminder to all learners that college computers, equipment, Wi-Fi and network services must only be used appropriately and for legitimate learning-related purposes.
The College has systems in place to monitor and filter internet activity when learners are using college equipment or the college network. This includes attempts to access websites or online content that is inappropriate, prohibited or blocked by the College.
Learners should be aware that:
- You must not attempt to access inappropriate or prohibited websites or online content using college equipment or the college network.
- Internet filtering and monitoring systems are in place and activity may be reviewed where necessary.
- These expectations apply at all times when using college equipment or the college network, including during lessons and while on College premises.
- Any learner found to be deliberately attempting to bypass filtering or access prohibited content may be subject to the College’s learner conduct procedures.
We ask all learners to use College IT facilities responsibly and in a way that supports a safe, respectful and positive learning environment for everyone.
Please familiarise yourself with the Learner Conduct Policy, which sets out the standards and expectations for learner behaviour at WM College. Read the Learner Conduct Policy on our Policies page
New brand photos
Branding competition – photos
Next year, WM College is getting a new look. We want it to show real learners, staff and real stories – like yours.
Send us a photo/s of something special about WM College. For example: your learners’ coursework, handwritten notes, artwork, poems, workbooks, sketches, textiles, maths and ESOL work or photos of your class. We welcome artwork, creative work, subject examples and memories from staff and tutors too. Anything that connects you with the college.
Everyone who sends a photo goes into a prize draw to win a £100 course voucher and a £50 John Lewis voucher.
Find out more about how to take part here
Send your photos to: marketing@wmcollege.ac.uk | Deadline: 31 October 2026, 5 pm
Staff spotlight
Welcome to our new colleagues
As we begin the new academic year, we’re delighted to welcome several new colleagues to WM College.
Some of our new colleagues will work directly with you as tutors, while others have joined our professional services, technical, and learner support teams. You may already have met some of them, or you may meet them during your time at college.
Please join us in giving them a warm WM College welcome!
New colleagues joining us
- Adam Steele – Sessional Blues and Jazz Band Tutor
- Angela Thwaites – Sessional Glass Art Tutor
- Anna Chrysopoulo – Sessional Glass Art Tutor
- Covadonga Hornero – Sessional Ceramics Tutor (Bengali Tile)
- Dylan Trafalgar – Arts Technician
- Amy Williams – Sessional Maths Tutor
- Hannah Paul – Sessional Adult Social Care Tutor
- Jacob Laari – Sessional AAT Business Tutor
- Kevin Plumb – Sessional Sculpture Tutor
- Kristie Crewe – Glass and Mosaic Technician
- Martin Bottomley – Sessional Audio Post-Production Tutor — welcome back, Martin!
- Michelle Marsh – Sessional ALS Assistant
- Orlando Clarkson – Sessional Pop, Rock and Blues Guitar Tutor
- Patricia Ellis – Curriculum Manager – FAD
- Philippa Beveridge – Sessional Glass Art Tutor
- Ruth Phillips – Sessional Dance for Wellbeing Tutor
- Samiha Tasnim – Marketing & Events Coordinator
- Steve Buggy – Sessional Picture Framing Tutor
- Suzanne Cullen – Sessional ALS Assistant
- Tchissola Cardoso – Sessional French Tutor
We’re pleased to have you as part of the WM College community and wish you all the very best in your new roles!
Curriculum news
Our new glass and mosaic workshop
WM College has been offering glass courses since 2011, with students developing skills in techniques including leaded glass, casting, copper foiling, fusing and slumping. Due to the continued popularity of these courses, we’re delighted to expand our glass provision with a brand-new workshop.
Over the summer, room 005 (formerly the performance room) has been transformed into a specialist workshop for glass and mosaic courses. The new space has new equipment including a new glass kiln, and a dedicated technician, Kristie Crewe.
To see what our students and tutors are creating this term, follow the WM College 3D Art & Craft Instagram account @wmc.3d or even better, experience the new workshop by enrolling on a course such as Beginners Glass art: light and colour (Tuesdays), Mosaic: experiment with texture, colour and mixed materials (Wednesdays), or Glass art for all levels: develop your own project (Fridays).
We look forward to welcoming you to our newest creative space and supporting you in exploring your own creativity.
Adult Social Care Course
We are now offering the Level 2 preparation for Adult Social Care 5-week, intensive, full-time course. This is only for those of you with a Job Coach, as the course is offered in partnership with the DWP and North London Job Centres. If you are interested, please contact your Job Coach for more information. This course requires an assessment.
Support, wellness and adjustments
Welcome message from the Additional Learning Support Team
The start of term has been busy for the ALS department, receiving visitors with queries and processing requests for additional learning support. We have received over 100 request forms so far and are busy contacting learners to book appointments to discuss learning support needs.
Please feel free to visit the ALS office if you have submitted a request but not yet been booked an appointment; this can save valuable time. Please be mindful that if you have a mobility need, you can come along and speak to our Disabilities Officer.
Our department is in Level 1, Room 120, which is within the learning centre. We wish all learners well with their courses.
Deepfakes, AI chatbots and Online Harm
Catch up on the latest news and blogs
Stay connected with what’s happening across the college by exploring our latest stories and blogs. Visit our News & Blogs page to discover updates, features, and inspiring moments from our community.
What’s on in the local community (Camden)
Black History Month 2026 at Camden Market
This October, Camden Market is celebrating Black History Season with a special exhibition honouring Black creatives, artists and cultural pioneers who have helped shape Camden’s identity. The exhibition, “Our People, Our Spirit, Our Stories”, will take visitors on a journey around Camden Market, with portraits, photographs, stories and artwork displayed across indoor and outdoor spaces.
The exhibition is part of Camden Market’s arts and cultural programme and celebrates the diversity, creativity and cultural heritage of the local community. You’ll have the chance to discover the stories of some of Camden’s inspiring black cultural icons, including Normski, Jazzie B, Una Marson and Beryl Gilroy.
What can you expect?
- Giant photographic portraits celebrating well-known Camden figures
- Stories and personal histories – scan QR codes to discover more about the people featured and their connections to Camden
- Prints and banners displayed throughout the market
- A special photo exhibition curated by Normski Anderson, revisiting his iconic Camden, Centre of the Universe collection
Location: Camden Market Estate, London NW1 8AF
Date: Friday 9 October – Sunday 25 October 2026
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
Cost: Free
The Wellcome Collection
The Wellcome Collection offers free access to its galleries, library and many workshops on health and human experience.
Location: 183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE
Cost: Free
Aga Khan Centre
The Aga Khan Centre on Handyside Street offers free access to its public garden spaces, exhibitions and events exploring art, culture and Muslim heritage.
Location: 10 Handyside St, London N1C
Cost: Free
Bloomsbury Festival
Bloomsbury Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and science that brings together artists, academics and local communities. Marking its 20th anniversary, it runs from 1 to 31 October across the neighbourhood, with events including music, performances, exhibitions, talks, walks and workshops.
Date: Thursday 1 October – Saturday 31 October 2026
Location: Bloomsbury
Cost: Free
